Day trip to Bad Ischl

Bad Ischl and its sights

It's not without good reason that Emperor Franz Joseph chose Bad Ischl as his summer residence, which still exudes its imperial charm with the Kaiservilla and Kaiserpark: the picturesque spa town has quite a few attractions up its sleeve that are definitely worth a visit.

Out and about in the imperial town on the River Traun

Bad Ischl has been an imperial town since its rise to becoming a salt health resort thanks to the spa visits by Archduchess Sophie, Emperor Franz Joseph's mother. Today the modern health thermal springs attract spa guests while the Kurhaus still reminds us of the former illustrious spa clientèle's social events. Visit the Kaiserpark with Kaiservilla, which was given to the imperial couple on their engagement and where Emperor Franz Josef spent his summer retreats for decades. The Marmorschlössl castle was in turn used by his Sisi as a retreat. Bad Ischl's local town museum is accommodated today in the house on the esplanade where the imperial engagement took place. Not far from there you walk past Konditorei Zauner, whose famous Zauner vanilla crescent-shaped biscuits and "Stollen" you simply have to try.

Culture and events in Bad Ischl

Every year in August, Bad Ischl brings the Imperial Era back to life again on the occasion of the Emperor's birthday when you are invited to several days of festivities. Another cultural highlight in Bad Ischl are the Operetta Weeks (Lehár Festival) from the end of July to the end of August. Franz Lehár the operetta composer's villa can be visited on the quay of the same name still in its original condition today.

Day trip up to the Katrin

Float from the town on the Katrin cable car directly up to Bad Ischl's local mountain, the Katrin, one of the most beautiful viewing mountains in the Salzkammergut. It's not just the vast panorama that is really impressive but also the numerous opportunities for hikes in protected nature. The Katrin mountain inn at 1,400 metres altitude spoils you with first-class dishes.

A holiday in Bad Ischl

Discover the imperial town of Bad Ischl and the region's many other cultural and natural beauties on your holiday in Salzkammergut. You are welcome to get more tips for worthwhile day trips in the surrounding area from the Sommerhof team. You can reach Bad Ischl in a good half hour from our hotel in Gosau. For a relaxing holiday in the beautiful Gosau valley send your no-obligation enquiry to Hotel Sommerhof!